Exclusive: Hamas rocket launch pad lies near Gaza homes

FRANCE 24 has exclusive footage of a Hamas rocket-launching pad that appears to show that the Islamist militant group has been firing from areas heavily populated with civilians.

FRANCE 24 correspondent Gallagher Fenwick says the site in Gaza City is some 50 metres (less than 165 feet) from a hotel where the majority of international media is staying. It also lies just 100 metres from a UN building clearly marked with the trademark light blue flag.

"This type of setup is at the heart of the debate within the international community but also between Israel and the Palestinian militants," says Fenwick. "The Israeli army has repeatedly accused Palestinian militants of shooting from within densely populated civilian areas, and that is precisely the type of setup we have right here – rockets set up right next to buildings with a lot of residents.”

Children can be seen playing on and near the rocket launchers.

The launching pad site is also where the FRANCE 24 team had a close call last week. During a live broadcast to the Paris studio a rocket was fired overhead, forcing Fenwick and the crew to take cover (see video below).